The RiverView Foundation welcomes Melissa Woinarowicz as its new director.
For Woinarowicz, the new role represents both an exciting new chapter and something of a
homecoming. She was born at RiverView Hospital and grew up in the region, graduating from Fertile-Beltrami High School.
Woinarowicz brings a diverse background in philanthropy, healthcare leadership, nonprofit administration, organizational development, and community engagement. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Foundation in East Grand Forks. During her tenure, annual charitable giving increased by 42 percent, Foundation endowment assets grew from $8 million to more than $10 million, and the Foundation exceeded its annual fundraising goals.
Prior to joining the Sacred Heart Foundation, Woinarowicz served in healthcare leadership with CommonSpirit Health. As a Senior HR Business Partner for the Central Region, she developed leadership training and organizational development initiatives serving healthcare facilities throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. She also provided CliftonStrengths coaching to more than 200 healthcare leaders. Previously, she also served on the Executive Leadership Team at CHI Lisbon Health as Manager of Human Resources Operations and Mission Integration.
Woinarowicz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Humanities from North Dakota State University and completed her MBA in Executive Leadership at the University of Mary. She also earned a Graduate Certificate in Catholic Philanthropy from the University of Mary and is a Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach.
“I am passionate about building relationships and connecting people with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the organizations and communities they care about,’’ she shared. “Returning to RiverView brings together several important parts of my story: my roots in northwestern Minnesota, my previous healthcare leadership experience, and my passion for philanthropy and community service.’’
Outside of work, Woinarowicz enjoys gardening and quilting, appreciates loose-leaf tea, and is an enthusiastic science fiction fan. She also enjoys spending time with her dog, Siena, and her cat, Felicity.
If you would like to visit with Woinarowicz regarding Foundation projects and programs, call her at 218-281-9249 or email foundation@riverviewhealth.org.
